Manchester United probes disappearance of players’ football boots before Champions League match

Manchester United Investigates Missing Football Boots

Manchester United is currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of their players’ football boots while traveling to compete in a Women’s Champions League qualifying match against SK Brann in Norway. The incident occurred just before the crucial first leg of the qualifying round, which the team unfortunately lost 1-0 to their host club.

Players Face Footwear Crisis

Due to the unforeseen loss of their footwear, several players had to purchase replacements on short notice upon arrival in Norway. A local retailer, Andre Gullord, recounted to the BBC that the team had to spend a significant amount—between £200 to £230 per pair—along with an additional £30 for shin guards. He stated:

“We are a big store, but it was fortunate that we had enough boots available that were the right size. It’s unusual for an entire team to come in for boots, as we typically only see the odd player forgetting theirs.”

Midfielder Lisa Naalsund, a Bergen native, even had to call her mother to bring her a pair of boots directly to the stadium prior to the match, highlighting the chaos of the situation.

Investigation and Future Plans

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Manchester United confirmed that they are actively investigating how a bag containing the players’ boots went missing during their trip. Meanwhile, they have ensured that all affected players are equipped with new boots for the ongoing competition.

This is a surprising setback for the team as they navigate through the Women’s Champions League, where they aim to secure their position in this prestigious tournament offered exclusively on Disney+, which will showcase all 75 live matches each season. The tournament remains a vital platform for women’s football, with upcoming finals set to take place in various hosting cities, including Warsaw in 2027, marking a continued commitment to growing the sport.